Dental Effects of Stimulants

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant, an amphetamine. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills. This drug is also used to treat a certain sleeping disorder such as narcolepsy and to help you stay awake during the day.

Why People Take Adderall

Prescribed most often for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, Adderall allows people who have trouble concentrating to increase their focus and sharpen their attention. Adderall gives them the ability to study normally.

College students often use  Adderall without prescription to do without sleep so they can study and/or party, though there is some doubt that it actually helps individuals without ADHD or narcolepsy, other than as a placebo. Some use it into adulthood, believing it gives them an edge in the office.

Like any drug, Adderall has undesirable possible side effects—literally dozens—especially when used for other than the prescribed purpose.

Why Do Stimulants Make You Clench Your Jaw?

One such side effect that is often overlooked is clenching the jaw and/or grinding the teeth, also known as bruxism. In terms of severity, teeth grinding isn’t a life-threatening condition like a stroke or respiratory failure, but Adderall bruxism can still be a serious matter.

Dopaminergic and norepinephrine systems have been implicated in bruxism caused by Adderal. Over-stimulation of dopaminergic system is believed to lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Bruxism isn’t just a behavioral problem, a bad habit. It has physical as well as psychological consequences: it may damage the teeth and jaw.

Other Dental Side Effects of Adderall Abuse

Adderall teeth grinding can cause the fracturing, chipping, or flattening of teeth, wearing down the enamel, leading to pain and tooth sensitivity. The inside cheek may also get chewed up. The sound also can wake up a bedmate or even the tooth grinder.

Clenching can cause other problems, including tiredness; a painful or sore jaw, neck, or face muscles; headaches; and what seems to be earaches. Sleep patterns may also be disturbed by Adderall teeth clenching.

What Else Causes Clenching and Grinding?

While bruxism can be caused by prescription stimulants, such as Adderall and antidepressants, it also is a consequence of ADHD and sleep disorders. It can be either the cause or the reaction.

Mental health disorders such as stress, anger, and frustration, or anxiety can result in bruxism. Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, depression, snoring, and a family history of bruxism are other possible factors.  Obstructive sleep apnea has also been associated with bruxism.

Teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and Adderall abuse also may be a flawed attempt to cope with some other co-occurring mental health issue that also needs treatment.

How to Find Treatment for Adderall Abuse

There are two ways to treat bruxism: by treating the symptoms and treating the underlying cause.

Treat the Teeth

While grinding and clenching your teeth aren’t pleasant, if your main concern is the damage being done to your teeth, you can protect them by wearing a mouth guard or splint. This is a plastic or acrylic cap that you place over your upper or lower teeth, usually when you go to bed, to prevent grinding in your sleep.

If the damage is already done, visiting a dentist and getting the recommended treatment is recommended.

Treat the Underlying Condition

Bruxism isn’t usually a problem in itself but a reaction to another problem. This other problem needs to be addressed. Possible causes:

• Adderall: If you are using ADHD medication for other purposes, such as alertness, you should consider seeking substance use disorder rehab treatment.
• Sleep disorders: If your teeth grinding is due to sleep apnea or a related cause, your doctor might recommend a sleep therapist.
• Acid reflux. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this is when stomach acid washes back into the esophagus. There are over-the-counter medications that can help.
• Stress or anxiety. Learn to manage them with relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness, or see a therapist to learn better ways to cope with them.
• Improper biting behavior. Sometimes if you are aware of the problem, you can learn to control, change, or stop it. Biofeedback (techniques to learn how to control your body’s automatic functions) is a related option.

While there is little evidence that bruxism without an underlying cause responds well to medication, some doctors try muscle relaxants and  Botox. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be tried to help reduce the underlying depression and anxiety.

Not having any caffeine or alcohol before bedtime is advisable. Those substances may be too stimulating in the wrong way. Also, drink lots of water and get enough sleep. Sleep may be the best medicine of all.

Sources

• healthline.com – Effects of Adderall on the Body
• vice.com –  This Is Why Molly Makes You Grind Your Teeth
• mayoclinic.org – Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
• adhdboss.com – ADHD Jaw Clenching: 5 Ways to Fix Bruxism Caused by ADHD Meds